University of Sunderland women’s volleyball 1sts have won the BUCS Women’s Volleyball Northern 3B title after a walkover victory against Leeds 2nds on Wednesday ensured they finished the season unbeaten.

Sunderland went into the last game of the season knowing that if they avoided defeat in their game they would be champions. However, Leeds were unable to field a team which gave Sunderland the win.

This was Sunderland’s only walkover of the season after they suffered one of their own in their only cup game of the season when they were unable to field at team against the University of Chester.

Sunderland started their season strongly as they faced the two York-based sides in the first two games; they managed to win both convincingly, defeating York St John 1sts 3-0 before beating York 2nds 3-1. This was York 2nds’ only defeat of the season and could be noted as the game that won Sunderland the group this year.

Sunderland were then successful in trips to Sheffield and Durham as they had convincing victories against Sheffield 2nds (0-3) and Durham 3rds (1-3).

Sunderland then had a home game against strugglers Bradford 1sts before returning to Sheffield to face Sheffield Hallam 2nds, although the result at the EIS Sheffield was the same.

Sunderland’s last game of the 2015/16 season was a walkover victory against Hull 1sts, however they faced a much sterner test against Hull this season but managed to win the tie 3-1 at the Hull University Sport & Fitness Centre.

Sunderland’s performances this season have gained them promotion and they will undoubtedly have tougher time next season. Both Sunderland volleyball teams finished first in their respective divisions demonstrating the quality of volleyball at Sunderland is on the rise.